At Parris Island, “I think we could bring in more,” Reynolds said, “now that we’ve opened up additional (jobs) and additional units. But I think it takes a special young lady who wants to be a Marine, just as it takes a special young man.”

Explanations for why few women join the Corps vary. The Navy provides medical personnel and chaplains for the Corps, drawing many women. Some are intimidated by the macho culture or feel restricted in career options because of the dominance of the all-male infantry.

Salinas said part of it is that entry standards are so tough. “It’s pretty stinkin’ hard to earn the title of Marine, whether you’re female or male. Only one out of every 10 18-to-24-year-old is eligible or can even make it,” she said.

The Corps has the longest basic training in the military, and everyone must pass the mental and physical 54-hour trial called The Crucible.

But a recruiting scramble has encouraged other services to target the larger untapped pool of females who qualify — fit high school graduates with no criminal record, conspicuous tattoos, bad credit or history of drug use. Too many parking tickets is even a disqualifier.

Down the line, another challenge at recruit depots has been a shortage of drill instructors of either gender, because of needs in Afghanistan. Yoo said he hopes more women will step up for the demanding 24-7 billet, but the Corps may need more female “non-volunteers.” At the same time, it must avoid pulling women from their primary jobs too long. That would stymie career advancement and choke the flow of women into upper ranks.

In February 2012, the Defense Department unveiled its congressionally mandated plan for removing gender-based restrictions. The Corps planned to open 371 midlevel billets to women in units previously closed to them, including artillery battalions. Almost a year later, 65 female Marines or sailors had been assigned to those positions, according to the Marine Corps.

“Everybody wants more females,” Salinas said, not just the recruit depots. “We have multiple challenges. We are downsizing. You’re still trying to fit all these requirements.”

Putting more women Marines in charge, at the boot camps and all commands, will strengthen the Marine Corps, Yoo said. But it will not, in his view, change its fundamental character.

“We are not going to lower our standards, never,” Yoo said. “Old Corps, New Corps … it’s the same Corps.”